TETenzymen

TETenzymen is a proposed superfamily of metal-dependent oxidoreductases described in genome surveys as enzymes that catalyze oxidative modifications of diverse organic substrates. The term has appeared in speculative reviews and annotation notes, but there is no formal consensus on its limits or defining criteria.

Most discussed representatives are predicted to share a catalytic core with a metal-binding pocket, often requiring a divalent metal ion and a cofactor such as 2-oxoglutarate or flavin. The proposed mechanism involves activation of O2 and abstraction of substrate hydrogen to yield hydroxylation or related oxidations.

Biological roles proposed for TETenzymen include participation in natural product biosynthesis, detoxification, and signaling molecule modification. Substrates are anticipated to range from small metabolites to more complex intermediates, with activity inferred mainly from sequence motifs and structural predictions.

Distribution appears across various bacteria and some fungi, frequently in gene clusters linked to secondary metabolism or environmental response. Phylogenetic analyses indicate diverse lineages and possible episodes of horizontal transfer; however, functional validation remains limited.

If confirmed, TETenzymen could be useful in biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, and bioremediation. Current work focuses on characterizing substrate scope, cofactors, and catalytic mechanisms to establish a robust, experimentally verifiable definition of the family.